Tag: Shadow of War

Loot Box Madness: There’s A Right Way And Wrong Way

The loot box trend hit the gaming community hard. Nearly every new release, especially when it comes to multiplayer games seem to have embraced this worrisome trend. Popping up more and more, gamers are beginning to get used to seeing the option to purchase in-game currency to open up these mystery chests. However, there is both a right way and wrong way developers can go about incorporating these controversial additions into their games.

UPDATE: EA is pulling the microtransactions. According to Kotaku, EA will be suspending all microtransactions after backlash from the gaming community. Find the latest Breaking News at the bottom of this article.

The Overwatch Effect

When taking a look at one of the world’s most popular first-person shooters, Overwatch, the loot boxes are a relatively welcomed addition. Only containing cosmetic items, players will never receive anything that will give them an advantage over other gamers. Even though they do cost real-world money, they are completely optional. Furthermore, every item that can drop can be unlocked by opening up normal loot boxes that the game gives people once a player reaches a new level.

The other spectacular feature that Overwatchs’ loot box systems allows the developer to do is offer all their additional content for free. There is absolutely no charge for any new characters, maps or anything else that Blizzard adds to the game and that benefits everyone involved. Even if a player never purchases a single loot box, they reap the rewards of Overwatch implementing their loot box system. Also, that same gamer that never spent a dime on loot box has the chance to unlock any skin, emote or tag the game has to offer. This is the right way to handle loot boxes.

Pay To Win

Two games, in particular, have caught fire from the video game community for their loot box practices. Starting with Shadow of War, the loot boxes are not necessary to complete the main story. Opening up their little mystery boxes have a chance to roll epic or legendary orcs that players can add to their army but these powerful orcs aren’t absolutely critical in order to progress. However, at the very end of the game (no spoilers), there’s a point where these epic orcs can cut down on hours of grinding. Without purchasing these special orcs, because honestly, that’s exactly what those loot boxes are, people need to spend dozens of hours grinding and dominating orc after orc to find a special ending.

| BREAKING NEWS | Star Wars Battlefront II: EA Announcement

Now moving over to the prime example of the wrong way to handle the loot box system with Star Wars Battlefront II. EA created an environment that completely favored those willing to spend money on loot boxes. Battlefield II loot crates offered in-game gun attachments or star cards that actually provided an advantage for players. Gamers that refused to purchase loot boxes wouldn’t just be leaving a new skin, or a secret ending on the table, this time it will hold people back from having an enjoyable multiplayer experience. However, EA made an announcement on 11/16/2017 at 5:24pm on Twitter that they will be turning off all microtransactions on Star Wars Battlefront II. This is breaking news and it is expected EA will make a few more announcements regarding how they will be handing in-game purchases. Gigamax will be keeping a close eye on these developments so don’t forget to stop by soon and see what’s in store.

Below The Gigamax Crew Offers Their Impression On The Loot Box Scandal

Let’s Not Set This Precedent

There’s a right way and wrong way to handle the loot box situation. EA showed the worst part of the gaming industry with their loot box system. EA’s AMA on Reddit was an absolute disaster, avoiding questions and deleting comments, they know what they did. Battlefront was an absolute flop and it seems EA was trying to use the loot box system to ensure they made their money with this new game. Overwatch is an excellent example of how to handle the loot box situation, Battlefront II and Shadow of War is spitting in the faces of gamers everywhere. Businesses need to make money, but forcing people to buy in-game items with real-world money is not the right way to go about doing so.

Middle Earth: Shadow of War – Playlist with Gigamax Games

Finally, the wait is over and gamers have a chance to play Middle Earth: Shadow of War. Any Lord of The Rings fan will be happy to dive into this action-packed Orc slaying experience. This time things are off to an intense start as the story begins with chaos and adventure. The Gigamax crew is here to take you through the key sections of this incredible game so be sure to keep up to date with all the action from the Middle Earth: Shadow of War playlist.

The Middle Earth series are known for their innovative mechanics and exciting gameplay. Its story is entertaining and the combat is magnificent. This is one of those games that a person can get lost playing for hours only to realize they haven’t even completed a quest. Combat is so much fun and the Nemesis system keeps players constantly on the move and it all adds up to one fun game to play.

This playlist starts off with the opening of Middle Earth: Shadow of War but be sure to stay tuned for more. With this game offering so much content, you can be sure that Gigs and Mack will be pouring hours into it.

Middle Earth: Shadow of War – YouTube Playlist

Even with all of this fun stuff, this game isn’t without controversy. Throughout this playlist Gigs and Mack will be discussing what they think about the loot box issues that have been making headlines all over the world.

As always, thank you so much for taking the time to stop by. Don’t forget to Like, Comment and Subscribe for more videos and articles every week!

If you have a game you’d like to see, be sure to reach out at GigamaxGames@gmail.com

Middle Earth: Shadow of War Getting Loot Boxes

Both Warner Brothers and Monolith showed off some new details for their upcoming game Middle Earth: Shadow of War. Surprisingly they’ve revealed that the sequel will have a microtransaction store referred to as the Market. The forum post detailed that players will be able to purchase items such as loot chests, war chests, XP boosts, and bundles. They also clarified that an internet connection is necessary to access this content, which seems to confirm that the boxes will cost real world money. However, cash won’t be the only way to acquire the in-game currency.

The Nemesis System

Monolith went on to justify the inclusion of this often times frowned upon game structure by stating “An important aspect of the Nemesis System now comes in forging, customizing, and leading your own army of unique Orc followers against the fortresses of Mordor.” They continued “There are different ways to do this, including dominating Orcs by exploring the vast open-world and encountering them as part of Orc society, or players can acquire Orcs and other items through the Market (in-game store).” (http://bit.ly/2va9oGD)

Time For Some Rewards

According to the developer, these are the various rewards players can expect upon opening the various loot crates available.

• Loot Chests contain Gear (weapons and armor) of varying rarity. Equipping and upgrading these weapons and armor enhance Talion’s character abilities. Loot Chests can also contain XP Boosts that help level up Talion faster.
• War Chests provide Orc followers of varying rarity to help forge a strong army. They can also contain Training Orders to level up and customize Orc followers.
• XP Boosts are consumables that help level up Talion faster.
• Bundles package up Loot Chests, War Chests and Boosts together at a great value.

Monolith also mentioned that there were two ways to earn the in game currency necessary to purchase the micro transactions. The first way they went over was to earn “Mirian” which is attainable by accomplishing various in game activities such as defeating Treasure Orcs, destroying gear, destroying orc followers, and finding it in stashes located throughout the game. The second way detailed was to purchase a separate in game currency called “Gold”, which can be purchased with real cash from the Xbox, Playstation, or Steam store. The developer also clarified that no content in Shadow of War will be exclusive to the Gold currency and all content is accessible by playing the game.

Overview

No pricing details have been revealed for the micro transactions and probably won’t be available until they appear on the various e-stores. Microtransactions are nothing new to video games and as time moves on more and more developers are embracing the inclusion of using real money to access more content. Shadow of War is hitting consoles on October 10th after a small delay and Gigamax will definitely be playing this highly anticipated title so be sure to keep checking back for more details!

Shadow of War: Update

Yesterday’s leak that Middle Earth: Shadow of War will be coming out August 22nd in North America has been officially confirmed by Warner Bros. Monolith Productions is making this game much larger than its predecessor, Shadow of Mordor. The nemesis system not only dynamically creates Orc generals but also shapes the open world as well. Players will not just be facing Sauron this time but his Nazgul mounts well. Below you’ll find the official announcement trailer that gives a cinematic look into the story of the game.

Original Story

The next title in the “Shadow of Mordor” series is on the way according to an accidental early listing on US retailer Target’s website.

This listing for Middle-Earth: Shadow of War was initially spotted by NeoGaf. The release date on the now removed leak was set for August 22nd which means that developer Monolith Productions is preparing for an announcement soon, most likely E3. According to the description, the game will contain the Nemesis system from Shadow of Mordor. This system required players to systematically eliminate a randomly generated hierarchy of Orc’s to eventually kill the leaders.

Middle Earth: Shadow of War will continue the story of Talion and Celebrimbor, the hero and his ghost friend from Shadow of Mordor. The dynamic duo is back and looking to forge their own ring of power so they can take on the dark lord, Sauron.

The listing also details that the game will have the industry standard “Gold Edition” priced at $100 USD. This edition will contain two nemesis expansions, two story add-on’s and a “Gold War Chest.” The Nemesis expansions were also detailed and will contain a new Orc tribe, enemies, missions and more. The story expansions will have a new campaign with a different playable character.

Gigamax Games was a huge fan of the first entry in the Shadow of Mordor series and we are very excited for the latest entry. While it is unfortunate that the game was accidentally leaked before the developer was ready to show it off, it is nice to see the positive response and genuine hype for the sequel. Be sure to check back at Gigamax Games for more details on this developing story.